Evelyn Hope

SUN PRAIRIE/MADISON-Evelyn C. Hope, age 87, passed away on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2015. She was born on Nov. 23, 1927, in Saskatchewan, Canada, the daughter of Samuel and Ethel (Clark) Cornwell. Evelyn married Ben Gerber in 1945, and together they were blessed with five children. She worked as a baker for Women's Exchange Bakery and later for the Ramada. Evelyn was united in marriage to Athel "Bob" Hope on Jan. 8, 1960. She was an avid Brewer and Packer fan, loved country music, watching, "Dancing with the Stars", and enjoyed keeping in touch with family and friends. Evelyn is survived by her children, JoAnn (Brad) Johnson of Madison, Patricia Allison of Savannah, Texas, Benjamin "Mick" Gerber of Windsor, and Rhonda Shepherd of Nashport, Ohio; ten grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; brother, Ervin "Jim" Cornwell of Troy, Mont.; sister-in-law, Jane Sawyer of Arkansas; and special cousins, Brenda and Bill Shimko and Ivan and Diane Clark. She was preceded in death by her parents; ex-husband, Ben Gerber; husband, Bob in 1984; daughter, Linda Perry; sister-in-law, Darlene Cornwell; brother-in-law, LeRoy Hope; nephew, Jimmy Cornwell; and her cat, Koko. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, at 11 a.m., on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2015. Burial will follow at highland Memory Gardens with a reception to be announced. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Wednesday. The family wishes to thank the nurses of St. Mary's Hospital, especially Jessica Weiss and Nandy Sies, as well as Fr. Pat Norris for their loving care. Online condolences may be made to www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608)221-5420